Report: Kroger rebranding some Harris Teeter stores

CINCINNATI — Kroger is moving ahead with its strategic plan for 2015 by closing and rebranding some of its Harris Teeter stores in Tennessee, according to the Nashville Tennessean.

The four Harris Teeter stores owned and operated by the Kroger Co. in the Nashville, Tenn., area will be closing on or before June 15, the newspaper reports. Three of the stores will re-open, but under the Kroger banner. This is the first time the Kroger Co. has switched banners on a Harris Teeter store.

Earlier this year the Kroger Co. closed another Harris Teeter store in Nashville. Kroger has about 45 stores in the Nashville area.

"2014 was an outstanding year by all measures. Kroger captured more share of the massive food market, delivered on our commitments and invested to grow our business,” McMullen said. “While improved fuel margins contributed to our results in the second half of the year, our core operating performance without fuel shows that our associates are improving our relationship with customers in ways that grow loyalty and generate strong shareholder returns.”

The Kroger Co. operates 2,625 grocery retail stores in 34 states under nearly two dozen banners.

Kroger names new president for Dillons banner

CINCINNATI – Kroger on Tuesday announced Marlene Stewart has been promoted to president of the company's Dillons division. She replaces Joe Grieshaber, who was recently named president of Kroger's Columbus division.

Stewart currently serves as VP merchandising at QFC, based in Seattle.

"Marlene combines a passion for people and proven merchandising and operations leadership," said Mike Ellis, Kroger's president and COO. "We look forward to Marlene bringing her knowledge of our customers and business, and commitment to our associates, to the Dillons team."

Stewart started her career with Kroger in 1977 as a bagger in the company's Cincinnati division, where she worked full-time while attending the University of Cincinnati. She went on to serve in many leadership roles in Cincinnati, including store and district management, training and merchandising. In 2005, Stewart was named director of operations for Kroger's Mid-Atlantic division before being named VP operations in 2007. She was named to her current role in 2011.

Stewart has been involved in a variety of community organizations throughout her career, serving on the boards of local food banks, the Girl Scouts and the United Way.

Ziploc brand intros new easy-open bags

RACINE, Wis. — Ziploc brand from SC Johnson announced the debut of new Ziploc bags with “Easy Open Tabs,” which feature ergonomic tabs that are easier to grip and open.

In celebration of the new product launch, the brand is partnering with Tough Mudder, a popular obstacle course, to honor mothers who who take challenges head on and prove what they’re capable of.

"We are proud to partner with Ziploc brand this year to honor and recognize tough mothers around the country," said Dan Weinberg, VP of global partnerships at Tough Mudder.

Actress and mother Candace Cameron Bure, who television viewers may remember from the sitcom "Full House," is also partnering with Ziploc. "I'm proud to partner with a brand that listens to its consumers and creates products based on their needs," Bure said.

The Ziploc bags with Easy Open Tabs will be available in three varieties: freezer, storage, sandwich and snack varieties. Each variety will have a distinctive color tab to help with organization. The new bags are currently available at retailers nationwide.

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